Workers affected by mudslide may get disaster assistance

Washington residents who lost their jobs or had their work hours reduced because of the March 22 mudslide near Oso could be eligible for disaster assistance payments, the state Employment Security Department said Thursday.

To qualify, workers must have lost their jobs or had their hours reduced as a direct result of the mudslide and must be ineligible for regular unemployment benefits, according to Employment Security.

Payments will range from $194 to $624 a week, up to 26 weeks.

According to Employment Security, those who may be eligible for the special assistance program and typically could not receive regular unemployment benefits include: